Sponsors

WiFi Sponsor & National Partner

Delegate Folder Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Cocktail Reception Sponsors

Refreshment Break Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Supported by

Chris Benedetti

Principal Sussex Strategy Group

Chris Benedetti is a Principal with Sussex Strategy Group, and Head of its Energy and Environment Practice. With experience in both federal and provincial governments, Mr. Benedetti provides an in-depth insight and expertise into various policy development and political processes, and brings to Sussex an extensive background in strategic communications and public affairs.
Mr. Benedetti has advised a diverse range of domestic and international clients. Since 1999 he has led client efforts related to energy-related policy, regulatory and procurement matters. His clients have included equipment suppliers to manufacturers and developers, in solar PV, wind generation, biogas, waterpower, thermal (gas-fired) and nuclear generation. These clients have successfully developed over 4,000MW of generation in Ontario, as well as expansions of transmission and distribution infrastructure. Mr. Benedetti has helped clients not only better understand the policy and political imperatives that are the basis for decisions surrounding system planning and procurement, but have also assisted in working with government and its agencies to amend policies where and when warranted; in complying with various rules and requirements; and in liaising with affected local stakeholders and communities.
Mr. Benedetti has also led public affairs efforts on behalf of clients in areas such as health care and biotechnology; agriculture; public-private partnerships; international trade and investment; and government procurement. In addition to his sector expertise, Mr. Benedetti is an expert in the area of public administration and political affairs. He has spoken at numerous conferences on government relations and has been published in several leading journals. While managing the interests of several high-profile public and private sector clients, Mr. Benedetti also serves as Vice Chair of the Government Relations and Strategic Communications Joint Sector Committee of the Ontario Energy Association; Past Chair of the Recycling Council of Ontario; and Advisor on the Program Advisory Committee for the Certificate in Sustainability Programme at Ryerson University. He has also served as a Director and Vice President of the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy; President of the Public Affairs Association of Canada; and Senior Advisor to the Canada-Europe Roundtable for Business.
Prior to joining Sussex, Mr. Benedetti was Vice President and Government Relations Practice Leader for a global public affairs and communications company. He has also held several positions in the federal government with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and as a political advisor within the House of Commons and the Senate of Canada.
Mr. Benedetti holds a BA in law and a BA (High Hons.) in political science from Carleton University, and an MA in political science (International Relations) from McMaster University and the University of Bath, England. Active in his local community, Mr. Benedetti is Past President of Horizons for Youth, a United Way agency and one of Toronto's largest youth shelters, and a Director for Common Ground Co-Operative, providing business training opportunities for individuals with development disabilities.